NEW YORK (AP) — U.S. health officials report that a food-poisoning outbreak linked to alfalfa sprouts has affected individuals across 15 states.
Earlier this week, state officials revealed the outbreak, noting over 36 cases in Minnesota and Wisconsin. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) confirmed on Friday that 55 cases have been identified nationwide, with four individuals requiring hospitalization.
The CDC has also documented cases in Florida, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, Pennsylvania, North Carolina, South Carolina, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Washington.
Among 34 individuals interviewed, 26 reported consuming alfalfa sprouts, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Unlike typical food poisoning outbreaks caused by a single germ, this incident involves multiple strains of salmonella and E. coli.
Infections from Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) can lead to stomach cramps and bloody diarrhea, with the potential for severe complications like acute kidney failure.
Salmonella infection can result in symptoms such as diarrhea, fever, severe vomiting, dehydration, and stomach cramps.
The outbreak has been traced to alfalfa sprouts cultivated by Everything Sprouts, a grower based in Minnesota. These sprouts, sold under the Calco and Everything Sprouts brands, are distributed to restaurants and grocery stores. The FDA notes that no recall has been issued by the company yet.
Last year, the FDA issued a warning letter to Everything Sprouts, highlighting concerns from an inspection the previous year. Issues identified included a leaking roof dripping water onto bean sprouts and workers’ smocks.
The Associated Press has reached out to Everything Sprouts for comment but has yet to receive a response.
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